Possible drowning 02-17-11

Media Release

A 73-year-old man has died after being found unresponsive Monday (February 14) in waters along the Kohala Coast. He has been identified as Graham Beaven of Spokane, Washington.

South Kohala patrol officers who responded Monday to an area known as "Turtle Point," determined that Beaven had been snorkeling and was found face down and unresponsive. An unidentified woman swam out to Beaven, brought him to shore and began CPR until fire rescue units arrived. Fire/Rescue personnel took Beaven to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

At 10:20 a.m. Thursday (February 17), he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police have classified the investigation as a coroner’s inquest and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.